Founded by Carlos Ossa and Miguel Umba, and produced by The Working Party, the Latinx Youth Theatre (LYT) launched its first cohort in 2021 under extraordinary circumstances. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, LYT successfully secured Charter house Southwark Funding and its first round of ACE funding and embarked on a mission to empower Latinx youth in London.

The 2021 cohort was a groundbreaking effort, delivering 28 workshops that engaged 36 young Latinx participants. Amidst lockdowns and social distancing, LYT created a safe, supportive space where these young people could explore their creativity, connect with their cultural roots, and build confidence through the performing arts.

The cohort co-created a powerful final performance that blended Latin American cultural elements with British theatre practices, culminating in a unique, Spanglish-language show. This performance, held at Southwark Playhouse, was a significant milestone, showcasing the resilience and talent of the participants despite the difficulties of the pandemic.
The 2021 cohort not only succeeded in achieving its creative goals but also laid the foundation for LYT’s future. The project strengthened community ties, built lasting partnerships with key organisations, and provided valuable insights into delivering impactful cultural programs in challenging times.